DILG-3 Regional Information Officer Miriam P. Gaviola shared the Department’s preparations, in coordination with other government agencies, in anticipation of North Korea’s rocket testing in an interview at CLTV 36’s “So To Speak” hosted by Ms. Sonia Soto, which was aired on April 14, 2012, 7:30 pm.
“So To Speak” is a program of CLTV 36 which tackles current issues that affects the lives of the people of Region III. It also aims to empower people through information coming from people with knowledge and authority on the current issue at hand.
When asked by host Sonia Sotto on the readiness and preparation of the government, through the DILG in connection with North Korea’s launching of a rocket to send a weather satellite into space, Ms. Gaviola said that an advisory was issued to all DILG provincial and city directors directing them to inform the local chief executives within their jurisdictions regarding the threat of the said rocket testing and the preparations that should be made in case falling debris from the rocket hit their area. “Ang ating mga Local Government Units ay kailangan ring mag identify ng mga evacuation centers at magkaroon ng food assistance at medical contingency bilang paraan ng paghahanda”, said RIO Gaviola.
Aside from this, a “no fishing policy” has been declared, particularly in areas where fragments of the rocket were expected to fall. Also, the department requested the people to stay indoors from April 12 to 16, 2012, the duration of North Korea’s rocket test.
Other guests during the program are Nigel Lontoc, Assistant Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense Region III, and Major General Ricardo Banayad, Division Commander, 1st Air Division, Philippine Air Force.
